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First and foremost, I hope you are being safe and making good decisions when going out in public so you can remain healthy. Please let me know if I can do anything at all for you during the COVID-19 situation we are in today.

I never imagined that I would be writing a blog commentary like this one. It is insane. Quite frankly, I can’t remember a time when I have said crazy or insane so often but what other words can be used to describe what is going on around the world. Things are happening so rapidly with changes day to day, hour to hour and even minute to minute. The government has stepped in with the $2.2 trillion stimulus package to assist monetarily but is it enough? Only time will tell.

I am still asked the popular question, “what is happening in the real estate market” several times a day. Well, that too changes daily. We have been asked to shift our normal process to include doing virtual showings and virtual open houses, to stop searching for buyers, take listings off the market as well as the complete opposite. Some people need to sell so they are keeping their houses on the market and some buyers need to buy because they recently sold their house or their lease is ending, or a job has relocated them here. Some agents are not showing properties or taking listings and others are as active as ever. My response to all of this is simple, if you are not comfortable selling your house, looking at houses or working in this environment, then please don’t. We would never want you to be uncomfortable or do something that may put your health at risk.

If you are comfortable with the process, please take the appropriate precautions. As such, in an effort to protect our clients and the public as a whole, we are implementing new protocols when any agent, whether from our company or others, shows our listings or if we show houses to our clients. If you are interested in learning more about these protocols, please feel free to call me, I would be happy to share them with you.

Again, please be safe so you can remain healthy and know I am here to help you in any way I can. I hope you have a very Happy Easter with loved ones, it will be one we never forget.

Happy Fall!

The change in the weather has not changed the real estate market here in Northern Virginia. We still have a limited supply of houses for sale with lots of demand. Houses are selling quickly when priced right, are in the right condition and in a desirable location. In all of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier Counties plus all of the cities in between – Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, etc.) the median days on market are just 14. As you can see, properties are selling quickly! The important thing to note however is prices are not drastically increasing with this supply and demand issue and when prices do get “pushed” we are having appraisal issues. It is important to price your house properly so if you are considering selling, please call me to discuss the right pricing strategy for you as each market is different.

During this time of year, people always ask, is now a good time to sell? My answer is – yes – if you need to sell. If there is a situation in your life that dictates the need to sell, list your house now. As I mentioned, we have a strong demand for houses. There is only a 1.5 month’s supply of housing right now. Also, we know that inventory levels are very low, only 3,855 resale houses are for sale today, so we know what the competition is for you. Who knows who will be selling in the spring and how this will affect pricing? We also know that rates, although they increased slightly this week, they are still great. At this time, a buyer can get a 30-year fixed-rate at under 4% which is phenomenal.

Additionally, houses that are decorated for the holiday season often show better and, in some cases, give the buyer ideas on how they can enjoy the holidays in the house as well. A nice staging technique that can go a long way. So, again, if you are thinking about selling and want to know if you should wait or list today, please call me.

Here’s your latest real estate market update for Northern Virginia. Inventory is low, it’s a seller’s market! And with interest rates still at an all-time low, not is a great time to buy!

What do you think? How is the market in your area?

Thinking of buying or selling? I’m happy to provide you with a free market analysis if your home. Give me a call to talk about your specific situation and needs. Call me at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to ask you a question. What do you say to yourself in the morning? What you say to yourself and how you start your day matters! Give yourself that pep talk! Learn more about the importance of this morning ritual in my latest motivational minute video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to talk to you about taking responsibility. Not just partial responsibility, but 100% responsibility for all actions and reactions you make in life. Learn more about the importance of taking responsibility in my latest motivational message video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to talk to you about adding value. How much value are you adding to your clients and customers? Are you giving your clients the right advice when they are buying or selling with you? Learn more about the importance of adding value in my latest motivational message video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to talk to you about time, and how effectively you are using it every day. Are you managing your time well or are you making excuses? Learn more about making the most of every minute in every day in my latest motivational message video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to talk to you about input and output. What you put into your mind you output in your actions. Learn more about this action/reaction in my latest motivational message video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net

The word on the street is prices are going to collapse…the market is overheated…a recession is coming…we are in a housing bubble. It’s mayhem if you believe everything you read and listen to what the non-experts have to say about the real estate market and the current market we are experiencing. Quick question. Did you know that 50% of REALTORS have a second job? Working with a true full-time professional who is up to date on the local Northern Virginia real estate market is more important today than ever before. You need to have the guidance, advice, and experience to be guided seamlessly through the real estate transaction, so you are protected. Don’t rely or believe everything you read on the internet. Call me instead because here are the facts.

Prices – barring an unforeseen event, they are stable in Northern Virginia and will remain this way. Why? Because our prices have risen only slightly each year after the Great Recession (bar a few examples/areas). We don’t have lending practices in place any longer that allow buyers to buy without strong fundamentals in place and allowing unqualified purchasers to outbid on properties at extreme prices.

The market is overheated – this is not true in all areas of Northern Virginia. Yes, there are areas of Arlington and in certain price points where inventory is extremely low that there are multiple offers but overall, we have seen this trend slow in recent months. Remember, what you read today typically happened 2-4 months ago as stats on the market don’t immediately get released and are reflective of current trends. Every market is different, and this is why you need specific advice on your property if you are selling or if you are considering purchasing a home.

A recession is coming – yes, it is true as we have been in the longest recovery in our history. All markets are cyclical so a recession will come. What does this mean for housing? It is typically a good thing…interest rates are lowered to stimulate the economy and barring the Great Recession, since 1995 when we have had economic slowdowns, prices have appreciated 81% of the time which is the same as when we have had economic expansion. Don’t fear the word recession and real estate values.

We are in a housing bubble – not true for our area. Prices have not skyrocketed like they have in other areas of the country, as previously mentioned, our prices have only moderately increased year over year. Our inventory of resale homes is 22% below last year’s level and 33% below inventory levels two years ago. Our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country. Our salaries are stable to slightly rising meaning people have good-paying jobs.

Lastly, the interest environment we are in is making housing more affordable – rates are low and are going lower. 30-year fixed rates are in the mid to high 3’s (percent) today. There are many refinances that are taking place and there will be more to come so these people will be staying in their houses for a while and will be potential, future landlords which will keep the housing inventory tight moving forward. This too will keep our market out of a crisis in my opinion.

Again, barring an unforeseen event, we will be in a strong real estate environment for some time here in Northern Virginia. We actually need more houses to sell as there is pent up demand. If you are considering a move of any kind, please call me today to learn more. I can be reached at scottmacdonald@remax.net or 703-652-5777.

In this motivational series, I’ll highlight how to become a Peak Performer. In today’s Peak Performer Series message I’d like to talk to you about personal relationships. Not work, or customer relationships – your family relationships! Learn why having these important relationships is imperative to your success. Check out my latest video.

Need more motivation? Give me a call at 703-652-5777 or email at scottmacdonald@remax.net